Mortal Kombat 1 releases next month, and there are plenty of characters already announced for the ever-expanding roster ahead of launch.
One of the big takeaways from the Mortal Kombat series has always been the unique characters. The newest iteration of the series is a soft reboot; the characters returning to the fight and how they are designed are as eccentric as ever. Reveals for those who are joining the roster at launch have been slowly revealed since the game’s announcement.
Mortal Kombat Confirmed Roster
Mortal Kombat 1 – Playable Fighters
There are many characters confirmed for players to control, so here is everyone appearing so far:
Ashrah
A demon from the Netherrealm that has mostly purged the evil from herself. Ashrah is looking to make up for her mistakes by defending Earthrealm from any who oppose it. Her first appearance was back in Mortal Kombat: Deception.
Baraka
A renowned merchant from Outworld, Baraka became infected with the incurable Tarkat virus. The infection gave him deformities and a monstrous appearance, he was cast out to live with others like him. The group has become known as the Tarkatans and he looks to fight against those who betrayed him and others like himself. Baraka first appeared in Mortal Kombat 2 back in 1993.
General Shao
The decorated leader of Outworld’s army, General Shao fights to protect Outworld by any means necessary, and his duties lie with the realm. Although he serves Queen Sindel and protects the royal family, should they try and cause harm to Outworld, General Shao will be the first to protect it. Originally Shao Kahn in previous games, and a series mainstay villain, Shao made his first appearance in Mortal Kombat 2 in 1993.
Geras
Making his return from Mortal Kombat 11, Geras is the immortal defender of the Hourglass and time itself. After his previous master Kronika was defeated, and the timeline was reset, he was brought into the new time by Liu Kang and resumed his duties. However, with a new threat looming, he must figure out who is trying to destroy this new era. Geras is available on the main playable roster and Kameos.
Havik
Originally hailing from the Chaosrealm, Havik is a Cleric of Chaos and seeks to only cause problems wherever he goes. The walking anarchist is unique in using his own limbs in order to fight against his opponents, before regrowing them. Havik first appeared in Mortal Kombat: Deception alongside Ashrah.
Johnny Cage
A very iconic character of the series, Johnny is a martial arts and movie superstar and not at all cocky. In the previous timeline, he became the Earthrealm champion after defeating Shao Khan during his invasion. Cage first appeared all the way back in the original Mortal Kombat in 1992.
Kenshi Takahashi
A blind master swordsman, who wishes to restore his family’s name by retrieving the family heirloom, a sword known as Sento. Kenshi’s first appearance in the Mortal Kombat games was in Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance.
Kitana
The princess of Outworld, Kitana has been given the purpose of defending her sister Mileena, who looks to rule the realm. In the previous timeline, she and Mileena were rivals who wanted to eliminate each other. Kitana first appeared in Mortal Kombat 2.
Kung Lao
A warrior looking to seek glory and a purpose in life. Kung Lao is getting the chance to prove himself by defending Earthrealm with the other warriors. Armed with a razor-sharp hat, Kung Lao will ensure he achieves his goal. The notable fighter had his first appearance in Mortal Kombat 2.
Li Mei
First playable back in Deadly Alliance, Li Mei is an Outworld constable who looks to redeem herself after a past tragedy. She was formerly a member of the guard defending the royal family of the realm.
Liu Kang
The God of Fire has rebuilt the new era into one of peace, but when that peace is under threat, Liu Kang will do what it takes to ensure it remains how he built it. Liu Kang was previously Earthrealm’s champion in the first timeline and lost his life to Shao Khan during the second timeline. Liu Kang has been a staple character in the series since the beginning.
Mileena
The older twin sister of Kitana, she is the heir to the throne of Outworld. However, Mileena has a serious dilemma, she is infected with the Tarkat virus. In order to ensure she claims the throne, she must hide her illness from the world. The fighter first appeared in Mortal Kombat 2
Nitara
A vampiress from the Outworld, that rather than being directly evil looks to serve her own interests and that of her race, the Moroi. The character is modeled after and voiced by actress Megan Fox in the newest entry to the series. Nitara first appeared in Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance.
Raiden
An elder god of thunder in the previous timeline, Raiden was brought into the new era by Liu Kang, as the champion to defend Earthrealm. Imbued with the powers of his previous self, Raiden looks to fulfill the goals set out by Liu Kang. The electric warrior has been around since the original Mortal Kombat game.
Rain
Rain is a member of the sorcery academy of Outworld, with a focus on controlling water through his magic. The mage looks to only better himself and get more powerful. Rain was first seen in Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3.
Reiko
An Outworlder who was part of the Brotherhood of Shadow and a protege of Shao Kahn, serving as a high-ranking official in his army. Reiko is a mysterious figure who works to do what is right for Outworld while also showing off the brutality he can inflict on others. Reiko brandishes the same glowing eyes as Shang Tsung from Mortal Kombat 3. Reiko’s first appearance was in Mortal Kombat 4, as a replacement for Noob Saibot.
Reptile
Also known as Syzoth, Reptile is part of a species known as Saurians and takes on a human appearance to blend in. In Liu Kang’s new era, Reptile looks to help defend Earthrealm from the threats coming to it. First appearing as a secret in the first game, he became a playable character in Mortal Kombat 2.
Scorpion
One of the most iconic characters in the series. Scorpion was a former rival to Sub-Zero in the first timeline before becoming allies in the second. In the newest era, Scorpion is no longer Hanzo Hasashi but the brother of Sub-Zero and a fellow Lin Kuei member. The fiery icon was present in the series since the first game.
Sindel
The Empress of Outworld, she is the mother of Kitana and Mileena. Sindel has brought a new golden era for the realm and it has brokered a peace with Earthrealm. However, after losing her husband Jerrod, many look to usurp the queen from her throne. Sindel’s first appearance was when she was resurrected in Mortal Kombat 3.
Smoke
A fellow Lin Kuei warrior alongside Scorpion and Sub-Zero. Smoke lacks supernatural abilities like his peers and instead learned from magical sorcery to achieve his powers to defend Earthrealm. In previous timelines, Smoke was part of the Lin Kuei cyber initiative which turned the warriors into mindless robot fighters. First playable in Mortal Kombat 3.
Sub-Zero
The grandmaster of the Lin Kuei. Sub-Zero is a master of controlling ice and using it as a weapon to beat his opponents. Along with Scorpion, Sub-Zero and the Lin Kuei look to defend Earthrealm and show that it is a powerful nation. The ice warrior was first playable in the original Mortal Kombat in 1992.
Tanya
A member of the guard that defends the royal family of Outworld. Tanya has a close relationship with Princess Mileena, one that could jeopardize not only the throne for her but Tanya’s position of guarding the family.
Mortal Kombat 1 – Kameo Fighters
A new feature that is being introduced with Mortal Kombat 1 is Kameo Fighters. They are characters that are picked before a fight and assist with a quick attack during it. They are not playable but do offer different gameplay possibilities in a match. Here are the Kameo Fighters revealed so far:
Cyrax
A warrior from the Lin Kuei took part in the mechanization of its warriors. He utilizes bombs and other weapons to fight his enemy. Cyrax first appeared in Mortal Kombat 3.
Frost
A female member of the Lin Kuei and formerly Sub-Zero’s apprentice. Frost was cyberized in the previous timeline and uses her powers of ice to defeat those who stand in her way. Frost was first present in Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance.
Geras
Making his return from Mortal Kombat 11, Geras is the immortal defender of the Hourglass and time itself. After his previous master Kronika was defeated, and the timeline was reset, he was brought into the new time by Liu Kang and resumed his duties. However, with a new threat looming, he must figure out who is trying to destroy this new era. Geras is available on the main playable roster and Kameos.
Goro
The memorable four-armed mini-boss from the original Mortal Kombat game. Goro was the personal enforcer of Shang Tsung while on Earth.
Jax Briggs
Jax is a member of the Special Forces group alongside Sonya Blade. Brandishing his metal arms that give incredible strength, Jax became the strongest man on the planet and remained crucial in defending his planet. His first entry into the series was in Mortal Kombat 2.
Kano
The Australian mercenary from the Black Dragon criminal group with a bad attitude. Kano only serves himself and his interests. Recognized by his laser eye, Kano will always help the highest bidder. Kano was present during the Mortal Kombat tournament in the first game.
Kung Lao
Alongside being a playable character, players can also utilize Kung Lao’s skills for quick assists as a Kameo.
Motaro
A centaurian who is loyal to Shao Kahn and Sindel, Motaro serves as their protector. The creature sports a metal tail that harbors a deadly laser and players can make use of this weapon with Motaro appearing as a Kameo fighter. Motaro was a mini-boss, first appearing in Mortal Kombat 3 as a precursor to the Shao Kahn fight.
Sareena
A shapeshifting demon from the Netherealm. Sareena was once controlled by the sorcerer Quan Chi before gaining her own autonomy and forming an alliance with Sub-Zero during the events of Sub-Zero Mythologies. The game was her first appearance, with Mortal Kombat: Tournament Edition being where she was first playable.
Scorpion
A playable character from the main roster, Scorpion can also be selected as a Kameo fighter.
Sektor
Another warrior from the Lin Kuei. Sektor also chose to take part in the cyber initiative that the Lin Kuei offered. Something Sub-Zero was deeply against. Sektor was first brought into the series in Mortal Kombat 3.
Shujinko
The main protagonist of Konquest mode in Mortal Kombat: Deception. Shujinko was deceived into releasing Onaga, the former dragon king of Outworld. A member of the White Lotus Society, Shujinko is a man of many mistakes, looking to make up for them. Players will see his return for the first time since Mortal Kombat: Armageddon as a Kameo fighter.
Sub-Zero
Alongside Scorpion, the warrior of ice can be picked as a Kameo. Players can choose to have Kameo’s and their fighter be the same character if they wish.
Sonya Blade
A member of Special Forces alongside Jax. Sonya was one of the original warriors to compete in the tournament on Shang Tsung’s island where the sorcerer was bested by Liu Kang. In the previous timeline, she went on the marry the Earthrealm champion and superstar, Johnny Cage.
Stryker
First appearing in Mortal Kombat 3. Stryker was a city cop that helped to repel the invasion of Shao Khan in both the first and second timelines. He uses grounded means such as his weapons to fight against his enemies.
Kombat Pack 1
The first pack of DLC fighters coming to the game was revealed and there will be six characters that players can use:
Ermac
Originally a hidden easter egg in the original games known as “Error Macro”, Ermac became a fan favorite and grew from a secret to a full-fledged playable fighter. Created by Shang Tsung in the “Flesh Pits” of Outworld, Ermac fights to defend Outworld and is seen as a neutral fighter in the series for the most part. He is known for his powers of telekinesis in fights to best his opponent. Ermac first appeared in Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3.
Homelander
The unpredictable and methodical antagonist of the TV series The Boys, Homelander is coming to the Mortal Kombat universe to prove that he is the most powerful warrior.
Omni-Man
The powerful alien from the race known as Viltrumites, Omni-Man is the father of the superhero Invincible and from the show of the same name. Omni-Man will be voiced by JK Simmons in Mortal Kombat 1.
Peacemaker
The foul-mouthed, sharpshooting patriot from DC’s The Suicide Squad. Peacemaker will be bringing himself and his arsenal to Mortal Kombat 1 in the first DLC pack.
Quan Chi
The devious sorcerer from the Netherealm and a close ally of the fallen Elder God, Shinnok. Quan Chi was responsible for creating the specter of Hanzo Hasashi, Scorpion, in the previous timeline. The sorcerer first appeared in Sub-Zero Mythologies before being playable in Mortal Kombat 4.
Takeda
In the previous timeline, Takeda was the apprentice of Scorpion and son to blind swordsman, Kenshi. Takeda was one of the warriors to fight against the threat of Shinnok during the events of Mortal Kombat X. The game was also his first appearance but he was absent from the Mortal Kombat 11 roster.
Mortal Kombat 1 – Preorder Bonus
Shang Tsung
The master of sorcery and deception, Shang Tsung is making a return to the universe of Mortal Kombat. After meeting his end at the hands of Liu Kang during the events of the expansion for Mortal Kombat 11 Aftermath.
Mortal Kombat 1 is releasing for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam and Epic Games Store, on September 19, 2023.